Cooperation between Bulgaria and Montenegro deepens – growth in urban, coastal, and mountain tourism

As part of the official visit of a Bulgarian government delegation to Montenegro, a bilateral meeting was held between the Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria, Miroslav Borshosh, and the Minister of Tourism of Montenegro, Simonida Kordić.

Both ministers emphasized the traditionally strong and friendly relations between the two countries, rooted in their shared cultural, historical, and European ties. During the discussions, it was highlighted that tourism is among the sectors with the greatest potential for cooperation, contributing both to economic growth and to the closer connection between the two nations.

One of the main topics was the “Destination Balkans” initiative, aimed at developing integrated tourist routes across Southeast Europe, featuring UNESCO sites and the region’s rich cultural heritage. The ministers underscored the importance of private sector involvement in creating joint tourism products targeting long-haul markets such as Japan, China, the United States, South Korea, and Latin America.

The meeting also reviewed the progress under the Joint Action Plan in Tourism for 2025–2027, signed in October 2024, which defines the framework for cooperation between the two countries.

Statistical data confirm the sector’s growth potential: in 2024,  6,648 tourists from Montenegro visited Bulgaria, and in the first half of 2025, the number increased by nearly 26% compared to the same period in 2024. The most popular destinations for Montenegrin tourists are related to urban, seaside, and mountain tourism.

Both ministers expressed readiness for closer collaboration within the framework of the UN Tourism, where Montenegro currently chairs the Regional Commission for Europe (until 2027) and Bulgaria serves as a member of the Executive Council (until 2027).

The meeting was described as an important step in strengthening the strategic tourism partnership and preparing joint initiatives to mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Montenegro in 2026.

Minister Simonida Kordić will take part in the ministerial panel of the 9th UN Tourism Global Conference on Wine Tourism – “The Art of Wine Tourism”, which will be held on 6–7 October 2025 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. She expressed her high appreciation for Bulgaria’s upcoming role as host, noting that the event will further position Bulgaria on the global wine tourism map.